Measuring, Positioning, Leveling, and Other Helping Tips That Will Make Your Cabinet Installation a Success
A well-planned kitchen remodel can completely transform the heart of your home. Specifically, the cabinets you choose and how they’re installed will define your space’s functionality and style.
Cabinet installation is one of the most important phases of your kitchen remodel. For DIY enthusiasts looking to understand the process and homeowners trying to plan your timeline and budget, use this step-by-step guide to walk you through how to install upper and base cabinets.
We’ll also cover what goes into the process and how to avoid common pitfalls that could impact your kitchen remodeling cost or delay your project.
First: Measure, Plan, and Prepare
Before any cabinet is installed, precise planning of your kitchen remodel is essential. Accurate measurements and a clear layout ensure everything fits properly and looks great once installed.
Start with these steps:
- Use a laser level and chalk line to mark the cabinet height on the wall. Upper cabinets typically hang 54 inches from the floor (18 inches above standard countertops).
- Identify wall studs with a stud finder, and mark them clearly. Cabinets need to be securely anchored into studs, not just drywall.
- Measure your cabinet footprint. Ensure any windows, appliances, and utility hookups are accounted for in your layout.
Tip from the experts: This is also the stage where you can turn to a professional kitchen remodel partner for custom layouts to ensure storage, workspace, and design seamlessly come together.
How to Install Upper Cabinets
Many professionals recommend installing upper cabinets before base cabinets because it’s easier when there’s nothing in the way below your workspace.
Here’s how to install upper cabinets during your kitchen remodel:
Start with a Ledger Board
Attach a temporary ledger board (a 1×3 or 1×4 piece of wood) to the wall at the base of the cabinet line. This supports the cabinet while you secure it and keeps each cabinet flush at the bottom.
Position and Secure the First Cabinet
Start in a corner or at the left end of the cabinet arrangement if you don’t have a corner unit. Using the stud guidelines you previously marked on your wall, measure the distance between the side edge of the cabinet and the location of the studs so you’ll know where to drill holes inside the cabinet that line up to the studs.
Using the measurements you’ve just made, mark those same distances on the inside back panel of the cabinet. If your cabinet has a face frame (a front border that adds a small bit of width), be sure to account for that.
Drill pilot holes through the cabinet’s back into wall studs and use 2.5” to 3” cabinet screws to fasten the cabinet securely.
Add Additional Cabinets
Drill clearance holes in the side of the cabinets to connect them to one another. Clamp the cabinets together and use screws to secure them side by side before you attach each to the wall.
Continue down the wall, checking that the cabinets remain level and plumb.
Remove the Ledger Board
After all upper cabinets are installed, remove the temporary support.
Elegant insight: Many homeowners want to know if they should tackle installing cabinets themselves. While doable, it’s a two-person job that requires precision. When you’re considering your kitchen remodel ideas, be sure to think hard about how you want to approach your cabinet installation.
How to Install Base Cabinets
Base cabinets are the foundation for your kitchen workspace. They support your countertops and provide essential storage, as well as housing your large appliances.
Follow these steps for successful base cabinet installation:
Mark Your Layout on the Wall
Use your kitchen design plan to mark the locations of each base cabinet. Make sure plumbing and electrical lines line up with designated cabinets.
Level the Floors
Use a level to check the floor. If the floor isn’t level, use shims under the cabinet base to keep everything flush and even.
Start With a Corner Cabinet
Just like with uppers, start in a corner or the left end and work outward. Set the cabinet in place, shim as needed, and check that it’s level front to back and side to side.
Secure the Cabinet to the Wall
Drill pilot holes and screw the cabinet into the wall studs through the back panel. Use the same cabinet screws as the uppers.
Continue Across the Layout
Clamp adjacent cabinets together and screw the frames to one another. Shim under the cabinets as needed to keep them level. Use a long level or straight edge across the top of the cabinets to ensure a uniform surface for countertop installation.
Cabinet Styles, Materials, and Budget Considerations
Now that you know what the installation process looks like, let’s talk about how your choices affect your kitchen remodeling cost.
Kitchen cabinet remodel costs vary depending on the materials, design, and whether you’re replacing cabinets or reconfiguring your layout.
Considerations include:
- Type of cabinets: Stock, semi-custom, or fully custom.
- Materials: Plywood, MDF, particleboard, hardwood.
- Finishes and doors: Painted vs. stained, shaker vs. slab style.
- Layout changes: Moving plumbing or electrical will increase overall kitchen remodel costs.
Whether you’re choosing a budget-conscious solution or investing in luxury, finding a great partner in kitchen remodeling can help you find beautiful, high-quality options that match your vision.
Kitchen Remodeling Ideas That Start With Cabinets
Cabinets don’t just offer storage; they set the tone for your entire kitchen design.
Here are a few trending kitchen cabinet remodeling ideas:
- Two-tone cabinets: Combine light upper cabinets with darker lowers for contrast.
- Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry: Maximize vertical storage and create a custom-built look.
- Open shelving with uppers: Add visual interest and easy access to everyday items.
- Drawer-style base cabinets: Easier access and more flexible storage than traditional doors.
Ready to Start Your Kitchen Remodel?
Installing cabinets is one of the most exciting parts of a kitchen remodel, and one of the most impactful. With the right installation and the right partner, your new kitchen can be as functional as it is beautiful.
